Sonia Gandhi launches health schemes in Kerala (in pics)

Thiruvananthapuram, Sept 30: Chairperson of UPA Sonia Gandhi inaugurated two major initiatives of the Health Department on September 29, on her visit to the State capital of Kerala.

Arogyakiranam - which ensures free medical care to all children for all ailments till they are 18 years - and distribution of free generic drugs in all government hospitals, would come into effect on October 2.

Both APL/BPL families could derive the benefits of the scheme through government hospitals.

Arogyakiranam is the State's modified version of the Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram (RBSK), a new national programme under the National Rural Health Mission (NRHM), offering a comprehensive health package for children up to 18 years.

RBSK envisages early screening and intervention to prevent or manage about 30 birth defects, and deficiencies including developmental delays and disabilities in children, with follow-up treatment.

Under Arogyakiranam, the Health Department intends to bring about a convergence of all these child health initiatives, which will be implemented utilising the Central funds which will come to the State under RBSK.

An amount of Rs.21.6 crore has been allocated for the scheme through NRHM. Early intervention centres have been planned in all districts under Arogyakiranam.

Under the scheme to distribute generic drugs free of cost, all government hospitals, up till primary health centres, will provide 820 drugs to patients in OP clinics.

Sonia Gandhi launches health schemes in Kerala (in pics)

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In Thiruvananthapuram

Congress President Sonia Gandhi inaugurating the research centre of Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Development studies at Neyyar near Thiruvananthapuram on Sunday.

Sonia Gandhi launches health schemes in Kerala (in pics)

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In Thiruvananthapuram

Congress president Sonia Gandhi presenting a free generic medicine kit to an 83-year-old woman after launching a healthcare scheme of Kerala Government in Thiruvananthapuram on Sunday.

Sonia Gandhi launches health schemes in Kerala (in pics)

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In Thiruvananthapuram

UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi being received by Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy on her arrival at the airport in Thiruvananthapuram on Sunday.

Sonia Gandhi launches health schemes in Kerala (in pics)

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In Thiruvananthapuram

UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi welcomed by Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy on her arrival at the airport in Thiruvananthapuram on Sunday.

Sonia Gandhi launches health schemes in Kerala (in pics)

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In Thiruvananthapuram

Chairperson of UPA Sonia Gandhi inaugurated two major initiatives of the Health Department on September 29, on her visit to the State capital of Kerala.

Sonia Gandhi launches health schemes in Kerala (in pics)

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In Thiruvananthapuram

Chairperson of UPA Sonia Gandhi inaugurated two major initiatives of the Health Department on her visit to the State capital of Kerala on Sunday.

Sonia Gandhi launches health schemes in Kerala (in pics)

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In Thiruvananthapuram

RBSK, launched in February, envisages early screening and intervention to prevent or manage about 30 birth defects, and deficiencies including developmental delays and disabilities in children, with follow-up treatment.

Sonia Gandhi launches health schemes in Kerala (in pics)

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In Thiruvananthapuram

An amount of Rs.21.6 crore has been allocated for the scheme through NRHM. Early intervention centres have been planned in all districts under Arogyakiranam.

Sonia Gandhi launches health schemes in Kerala (in pics)

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In Thiruvananthapuram

Chairperson of UPA Sonia Gandhi inaugurated two major initiatives of the Health Department on her visit to the State capital of Kerala.

Sonia Gandhi launches health schemes in Kerala (in pics)

10/13

In Thiruvananthapuram

Free generic medicine kit was presented to an 83-year-old woman by Sonia Gandhi after launching a healthcare scheme of Kerala Government in Thiruvananthapuram on Sunday.

Sonia Gandhi launches health schemes in Kerala (in pics)

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In Thiruvananthapuram

Chairperson of UPA Sonia Gandhi giving her speech on her visit to the State capital of Kerala.

Sonia Gandhi launches health schemes in Kerala (in pics)

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In Thiruvananthapuram

Congress president Sonia Gandhi presenting a free generic medicine kit to an 83-year-old woman after launching a healthcare scheme of Kerala Government in Thiruvananthapuram on Sunday, 29th September.